Sailing Away (w Sam D)

I wrote this song not too long ago and, although it works as a solo/acoustic, I was keen to hear what someone who has far more arrangement skill than I have might make of it, so I emailed Sam to ask if he had the time/inclination to have a look at it.

Happily he agreed. And here it is!

Big smiles all round when I heard the final mix.

Sam took the bones that I gave him, fleshed them out and gave them life.

It is just so great that MJ is still kicking around to allow these types of collabs to flourish.

Thanks
for asking me, Peter. I really hate I had to do a rush job because of unexpected extra time at work, but I won't get caught off guard like that again. I was pleased to play my pawnshop bass on something different than my own stuff for a change. hah.
The strings started out as a quartet, but the violins weren't doing it for me so I removed them and went with two of my favorite orchestral instruments (in descending order: cello, viola, and French horns). So I used two celli and one viola because I liked that lower register sound in this song. The mandolin was sort of an afterthought, but I liked it, so left it in. I also could have done a better job on the harmonies, but had to go with what I had (this time. I won't short change you like that again). I really enjoyed trying an arrangement in a style different from my own and it just helped me grow. Thanks again for the opportunity.

Proud
Sam, any time you can find to work on one of my songs will never leave me feeling short-changed. I am proud to work with you. All is happy aboard the good ship Peter :-) Take care, my friend. Thanks, again. Talk soon.

Fleshed out
Hi, Steve. A nod to some big names. Thanks. You have worked with Sam before, so you know the musical chops he can bring to the table. It is great collaborating with him. I provided the framework and Sam fleshed it out beautifully. We appreciate you stopping by. Take care.

Inspired
Thanks, KC. We'll take a CSN nod any day. Sam's ear for a musical satisfying arrangement is first class. The low strings and mando on the outro were inspired. Like his organic harmonies, too. Take care.

Sailing Away
Gentle acoustic, warm vocal, engaging lyrics from you. Sam's additions are very tasteful. Snappy bass, easy harmony vocal, the organ is just right, strings add a nostalgic dimension to the guitar solo, the mandolin at the end takes things out nicely. This is a gem!

Musical nous
Thanks, Philip. Agree re the tastefulness of Sam's additions. Extra tasty but no MSG in sight :-) Just musical nous. One of the strengths, still, of MJ is that it builds these types of connections and friendships. A gem, indeed. Talk soon.

Own journey
Thanks, Franc. The slow development of the arrangement really takes the song on its own journey, as well. I'm just very lucky to have been able to work with Sam on this. Glad you like our efforts. Take care.

Organic feel
Thanks, Bob. Glad you liked it. Sam did a great job with the harmonies. It is not an easy song to sing harmonies to. The organic feel of the arrangement is a highlight for me, too. We appreciate your kind words. Take care.

Sailing Away
Hey Peter - you already know I love this song, and I think Sam did a great job keeping it true to your original version (you know I'll just go crazy lol) Nice backing vocals in the choruses Sam, and I like the cello as well. Very nice work gents - I truly enjoyed!
Sig

Fascinating
Thanks, Sig. Yes, Sam retained the acoustic roots of the song very nicely. I agree, the cellos and viola where inspired. Happy for you to "go crazy", too, though. It will be fascinating to hear the different direction that you take the song in. The bar is set nicely high :-) Take care, my friend. Talk soon.

Sit back and enjoy
Thanks, Graham. You know first hand what Sam brings to the musical table. Happy it was my turn this time to sit back and enjoy his company. We appreciate you dropping in. Take care..